Use of radio transmitter implants in wild canids

Authors

Jeffrey S. Green, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dubois, Idaho
Richard T. Golightly Jr., Humboldt University, Arcata, California
Susan Lyndaker Lindsey, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Brad R. LeaMaster, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dubois, Idaho

Abstract

Twelve adult and five juvenile coyotes and 20 adult kit foxes were implanted with radio transmitters using relatively simple surgical procedures. Four foxes were successfully implanted in the field. None of the animals implanted exhibited noticeable behavioral effects, and no deaths were confirmed to result from implantation. Implants were attached to the peritoneum in adult coyotes and kit foxes and were left free-floating within the abdominal cavity of the coyote pups. Both procedures produced satisfactory results. Radio signals transmitted from implants had less range than those from traditional neck collar transmitters. Implants offered benefits unavailable with traditional collar transmitters: no external packaging to influence behavior, ability to radio monitor small or juvenile animals, and ability to acquire various physiological data on free-ranging individuals.

Recommended Citation

Green, Jeffrey S.; Golightly, Richard T. Jr.; Lindsey, Susan Lyndaker; and LeaMaster, Brad R. (1985) "Use of radio transmitter implants in wild canids," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 45: No. 3, Article 25.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol45/iss3/25